Brittany Viola NCAA Today’s Top VIII Award Honoree www.HurricaneSports.com
November 28, 2011
Get to Know Miami Hurricane Student-Athletes Melissa Bolivar, Nantambu Fentress, Ryan Quigtar
Photo of the Week
Men’s track athletes: Isaiah Simmons, Darrell Butler, Devon Hill, Christian Cook, Innocent Jacob
Video of the Week
Raising Canes - Mike James’ Motivation
Click to play
2011-12 Calendar of Events
Click the text below for more information about each Hurricane athletic event
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Games of the Week
UM Athletics ... Always On
Game Re-airs UM vs. Boston College | Nov. 28 | 7 p.m. | CSS UM vs. Boston College | Dec. 1 | 1 p.m. | CSS
Save the Date December 5
Check your mailboxes for information about ordering tickets for the ACC Basketball Tournament in Atlanta, Ga.
December 6
M. Basketball vs. Memphis
Miami welcomes nationally ranked Memphis to the BankUnited Center on Tuesday, Dec. 6 for a 9 p.m. matchup televised on ESPN2.
W. Basketball vs. Rutgers
Russell Maryland and the rest of the 2011 College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted at the 54th NFF Annual Awards Dinner, held at New York City’s historic Waldorf-Astoria Hotel on Tuesday, December 6.
The nationally-ranked Canes continue their grueling schedule with a game against Rutgers on Dec. 5.
December 10
Miami will be hosting its annual football awards banquet Saturday, Dec. 10 at Jungle Island in Miami, Fla. The banquet, emceed by Hurricanes radio voice Don Bailey Jr., begins with a reception at 12 noon and follows with a luncheon and awards program at 1 p.m.
Season Hoops Tickets
The basketball season has tipped off. The men’s team is off to as strong start and the ninth ranked women’s team is looking to repeat as ACC Champions. Season tickets are still available for both men’s and women’s basketball. Men’s season tickets start as low as $99 and women’s as low as $50. For more information visit flip to page 10.
Up Next at Home
12/3 M Basketball vs. UMass | 1 p.m. | Buy tickets here 12/5 W Basketball vs. Rutgers | 7 p.m. | Buy tickets here 12/6 M Basketball vs. Memphis | 9 p.m. | Buy tickets here 12/10 W Basketball vs. Ole Miss | 7 p.m. | Buy tickets here 12/16 W Basketball vs. ULM | 7 p.m. | Buy tickets here 12/17 M Basketball vs. FAU at Orange Bowl | Noon | Buy tickets
Quick Links > Are you following the rivoting Raising Canes series on HurricaneSports.com? Here’s a link to 30+ plus episodes on YouTube. > The UM Ticket Office can now be reached through Live Chat during standard business hours. > UM Athletics and Spanish Broadcasting Systems have inked a new deal to bring Spanish language radio broadcasts to CIMA 106.3 FM. > UM has launched a ProCanes Monday Morning Recap that highlights the exploits of Miami alums in the NFL. > If you can’t attend the football game this weekend, make sure you log onto the HurricaneSports.com Gameday Companion 2.0 which features a live chat, live stats, streaming radio and social media integration.
@HurricaneSports Tweet of the Week Humble83 Sinorice Moss: Feels Great to apart of a Streak that will never be broken. 149 weeks. #TheU “[]_[]”
Former Cane Viola Earns NCAA Today’s Top VIII Award
Award recognizes student with character, leadership, high athletic and academic achievement
Brittany Viola | Major: Communications broadcasting; sports administration | GPA: 3.68 Former University of Miami diver Brittany Viola has been recognized as a recipient of the NCAA Today’s Top VIII Award. Viola is a two-time NCAA 10-meter platform national champion and was named diver of the meet at the 2008 NCAA championships. She is the 2011 USA Diving winter national champion (10-meter platform), and she won a silver medal at the 2009 AT&T USA Diving Grand Prix. The two-time first-team All-American also earned honorable mention All-America honors in the one-meter springboard in 2009 and in the three-meter springboard in 2007. In 2009, Viola was the Atlantic Coast Conference Most Valuable Diver and Diver of the Year. She was the 2007 ACC Freshman of the Year and swept all three diving events at the 2008 ACC championships. Viola was named to the President’s Honor Roll, Provost’s Honor Roll, Dean’s List, Athletic Director Honor Roll and UM Book Buster during her four years at Miami. She also was the 2011 ACC Scholar Athlete of the Year for swimming and diving. Viola served as an officer for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was a School of Communications peer advisor. She also volunteered for the 2010 Super Bowl Host Committee, Habitat for Humanity and Relay for Life. To win the award, the nominee must be a varsity letter-winner, must have a minimum of a 3.000 GPA, and the nominee must complete intercollegiate eligibility during the 2010-11 academic year to be eligible. The selection criteria is 50 percent based on athletics ability and achievement, 25 percent based on academic achievement, and 25 percent based on character, leadership and activities. The award will be presented Friday, January 13, 2012, during the NCAA Honors Celebration. The event will be held at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown in Indianapolis, Ind., as a featured element of the 2012 NCAA Convention. Click here for Brittany Viola’s bio on HurricaneSports.com.
Kenny Kadji
douala, cameroon | forward | R-Sophomore
Click here to learn more about Kenny
They are stories of perseverance. Stories about growing up, becoming men and being a part of a family. One-by-one, we hear from them. These are the Miami Hurricanes...
My family is my number one fan. They always come to the games. They always talk to me when I’m down or if I need advice or something like that. So yeah, number one fans. They live pretty much everywhere: Cameroon, France, Tampa and now West Palm Beach. My mom is here staying in West Palm, and my dad comes back and forth. Playing basketball has given me an opportunity to travel everywhere. I’ve been to France, Russia, L.A, and all over America. I feel like I’ve been on vacation my whole life just traveling everywhere. I came to the United States from Cameroon after stopping in France first. We came here for a vacation and we actually met Alonzo Mourning on the street in Coconut Grove. I was about 13 years old when I met Alonzo. I was so scared. He was so tall and big. It was funny. He was like “This kid has got to play basketball”. So my parents started thinking about it and when we went back home, they put me in a camp in France and I guess the coach liked me. So they were like “All right you have to stay”. I went to school there for a year. I went to Russia for a tournament and I did pretty good. There were high school and college scouts and they said I should come to America and play. The U is a family too. A family away from home. The students, everyone. Everywhere you go you hear about the U. Everybody wants to be a part of this and I’m happy that I am. I like to play video games and people don’t know but I like to read books. I like science fiction, action, Sherlock Holmes books. Intriguing stuff. I like NBA2K12 right now. Still trying to figure it out. When I was introduced to Coach L I was surprised. He has a lot of energy. I didn’t know what to expect when he came here. The guy knows what he is talking about, and he really wants everyone to get better every single day. The hardest part of being away from home is home food. Especially coming from overseas, the culture is different. I miss my mom’s food even though I get it once a week. It’s just different. We eat like frog legs. They don’t have it here, or I haven’t found it yet. I like pasta, chicken carbonara, stuff like that. I was raised in Africa for half my life, France for another half, and then here. I was raised to be the best kid, the most polite. I have three brothers, all here in Miami. One goes to school here. My littlest brother is going to school in Broward, playing basketball. He’s pretty good too. When I played basketball growing up I pretended to be Magic Johnson. Even though I’m pretty tall, I always liked to handle the ball and give nice passes. I like Magic. I’ll never forget the first time I met Alonzo Mourning. That’s really what pushed me to play basketball. He came to me, shook my hand, and said “This kid has to play basketball. He’s going to be pretty good”. After that, I never stopped watching him. He’s just a great player. I’ll never forget that. What did he see in me? I think it was my hands. I had the biggest hands for a 13-year-old. So it was like “he has to play basketball. He’s going to be tall.” And he was right. I don’t even know if he remembers it. We were just walking around. It was here at the Grove. I got a picture and an autograph. I still have those in a little book in West Palm. As soon as I came to Florida, I knew I was coming to Miami. Just knowing that the Heat were here, a city with basketball players. I knew I was coming here. I’m a Hurricane because the family, the atmosphere, just the city of Miami. The students here take a lot of pride in the school and the basketball team. Even though sometimes we have bad seasons and good seasons, they’re always here. So that’s something I like about the students, they really take pride in the U. Some of my personal goals are to play professional and just help this team and play well this year for the team.
Fast Breaks
At the University I’ve learned so much from Coach L. Everything from being a basketball player to taking care of business off the court and how to approach stuff. Just growing up as a man. Once thing everyone should know about UM hoops is we are going to be tough minded. We’re going to play hard. It’s going to be different on defense. We’re going to run, it’s going to be fun for people. They’re going to see a lot of running, layups, dunks, it’s going to be fun. I never thought I would be here. Like I said, basketball took me a lot of places and I would have never thought I would be here Competition is great. I love it. You have to be competitive in life. From video games to who finishes a meal first, I love competition with anybody. If I could play against any team, it would be Kentucky because they have a great team and great hype. You always want to play the best. I would have said North Carolina but we’re playing them.
I secretly wish that I could dance. I can’t. I tried to many times. I got the video and I think I can dance, but I can’t. Sometimes, I try to have Malcolm help me, but he moves too fast for me. I tried to Dougie, I tried moonwalking, it’s too hard. I’m good with the two steps, but after that I don’t really do anything. Cameroon is a great country. It’s my home country, I love it. When I was there, there were really no worries. You know everybody because the country and city is so small. I just love it. The whole city knew me. I was one of the tallest kids. We were always outside with our friends, too, so everyone knew. My parents are from Cameroon. My mom grew up in France. My dad was born in France but raised in Cameroon. I was born in France too, but we’re all Cameroonian. Check out more player profiles on Miami’s athletics website at Fast Breaks Central.
Getting to Know U NANTAMBU FENTRESS | FR | NASHVILLE, TENN. What is your favorite meal? Soul food and steak.
If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be? Kevin Hart, Martin Lawrence, Jamie Foxx.
Most prized possession?
State championship high school football ring.
What is your all-time favorite Christmas present? Remote control car.
To be a Hurricane means...
To maintain the upmost integrity and be the same guy every day.
What one superpower would you like to have? Invisibility.
MELISSA BOLIVAR | SO | BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA To be a Hurricane means... Fighting for what you want.
What is your favorite holiday? Christmas.
One superpower I would like to have is... To be able to stop time.
What is your favorite meal? Sushi.
What is one thing on your bucket list? Backpack around Europe.
Why the University of Miami?
Nice weather, close to home, Latin atmosphere.
RYAN QUIGTAR | SENIOR | SKYWAY, WASH. My favorite midnight snack? Peanut butter and jelly.
When I played basketball as a kid, I pretended to be Gary Payton.
My first job was ...
A bagboy at a grocery store.
I’m a Hurricane because...
Of the tradition and pursuit of perfection.
My first basketball memory is... Playing in my grandma’s backyard.
When I was little, I wanted to be A congressman.
TexT To Join text
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Canes Mobile Fan Club
Men’s and Women’s Hoops Tickets
PLAY WHERE THE CANES PLAY!
Bring your team out to the BankUnited Center and play on the same court where the 'Canes play!
Buddies Package Includes:
1 Hour of Court Time Prior to 'Canes Game* Tee Shirt Giveaway Pizza/Soda PA Announcement Greeting Scoreboard Recognition Fan Tunnel Experience Halftime Court Time
PACKAGE AVAILABLE WITH A MINIMUM OF 12 PLAYERS *CANES PRACTICE FACILITY MAY BE USED PRIOR TO SELECT GAMES
Ticket Packages: Non-Conference games: $25 Per Player ACC Games: $35 Per Player ADDITIONAL TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR $15 PER PERSON
A Note From The
This week on Hurricane Hotline we will recognize long-time Hurricane Club member Bernard Nusbaum. Dr. Nusbaum has been a Hurricane Club member since 1990. He is an alumnus of the University of Miami, graduating with his MD in 1979. This year he participated in our NEXT LEVEL campaign by jumping up to the next giving level. He currently donates at the Green giving level.
Save the Date 2011 Miami Hurricanes Football Banquet Saturday, December 10 Jungle Island, 12pm-3pm Business attire; Cost is $60 per person RSVP required by December 6. For more information call the Hurricane Club at 305284-6699. Save the Date Hurricane Club Holiday Party Saturday, December 17 from 10:00am-12:00pm BankAtlantic Center, Panther Bar in Sunrise, FL Miami Hurricanes vs. Florida Atlantic Owls in the metroPCS Orange Bowl Basketball Classic, tipoff is 12:00pm $25 per person and includes $35 game ticket, buffet, soft drinks, and cash bar Coach Larranaga is also scheduled to make a special appearance
Next Level Campaign Thank you to all of our NEXT LEVEL participants who were able to join us for the on-field pre-game recognition at the Hurricanes vs. Boston College football game. For 2011 we are asking all Hurricane Club Members to consider participating in our NEXT LEVEL Campaign by increasing their annual gift to the Hurricane Club to the next giving level.
Coach's ChalkTalk vs. Ole Miss Saturday, Dec. 10 Adult: $15 $5 Package Description: Youth:
The Miami Hurricanes women’s basketball team welcomes Ole Miss to the BankUnited Center. Be a part of this ACC/SEC matchup with the Coach’s Chalk Talk! Your game ticket includes a pre-game Chalk Talk with Coach of the Year Katie Meier, snacks and a cash bar! Plus, you’ll receive a complimentary long sleeved Miami Basketball T-shirt*. All of this is yours for the unbeatable price of $15.
Become a fan of this nationally ranked basketball team today with the Coach's ChalkTalk! *T-shirts are redeemed at the BankUnited Center on game night only. Sizes are limited and not guaranteed. Youth tickets do not include a T-shirt.
Holiday Gift Packs
Weekend 3-Pack See the Canes face Sunday Jan. 22, 2012
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Saturday Feb. 19, 2012
Sunday Feb. 26, 2012
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Wednesday Sunday Jan. 18, 2012 Jan. 22, 2012
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Saturday Mar. 3, 2012
Click Here to purchase the UNC 3-Pack
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Wednesday Feb. 1, 2012
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See the Canes play UNC plus any two games
Saturday Sunday Feb. 19, 2012 Feb. 26, 2012
Regular Select $33 $66
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3-Pack
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Men’s Basketball Season Tickets start at just $99. For information, call 1-800-GO-CANES, email us at canestix@miami.edu or visit HurricaneSports.com.